Palpa Urban DH Race 2014 - Race Report

The first ever Palpa Urban Downhill Mountain Bike Race organized by Switchback Nepal has completed successfully today in Tansen, Palpa in Western Nepal. The event was the first of its kind, not only in Nepal but in the whole of South Asia. The race saw participation of 21 riders from India, China, Denmark, UK and various cities around Nepal including Kathmandu, Dharan, and Pokhara.


The total race track of this year’s Palpa Urban Downhill Mountain Bike Race was 1.8 kilometres, which included a short forest section that opened up into the winding narrow alleys of the town of Tansen. The race was supported by more than 200 local volunteers and saw an enthusiastic turnout of over 8000 spectators. The event was a successful beginning to what many mountain bike enthusiasts believe is a bright and exciting future for mountain biking in Nepal, establishing Nepal as a major international mountain bike destination in the world.


“We see such races on TV but today we are seeing it live right here in our city” said a Tansen local. Locals believe Tansen has the potential to become a national and international mountain bike destination.14-year-old, Chris Keeling secured first position in this year’s race completing the 1.8km down hill race track in 4.16.26 minutes. Chris was the overall winner of the 2014 National Downhill Championship. Earlier this year, Chris also won in the youth category of MegaAvalanche held in France.


18 year old National Champion, Rajesh Magar secured second position completing the race in 4.38.51 minutes. Rajesh is scheduled to represent Nepal in the upcoming Asian Mountain Bike Championship in the downhill category to be held in South Korea.


Gautam Taode, secured third position completing the race in 4.48.13 minutes. He is a podium rider from Pune who ranks number two in India. He stood third in the recently organized Himachal Downhill Mountain Bike Trophy held in Manali.

Shakar Yakthumba secured fourth position completing the race in 4.51.20 minutes and Suman Tamang secured fifth position completing the race in 4.55.76 minutes.

“The trail was awesome. It felt very comfortable. The crowd here in Tansen was truly amazing. Despite being tired, I felt my adrenalin pump up every time I heard the crowd cheer me on. Being here for three days with all my fellow riders has been a wonderful experience. This camaraderie is very important for Nepali mountain biking to grow as a sport.” said Buntay Pandey, a participant.


“We were quite nervous about organizing this event as it is the very first time an urban downhill race has taken place in Nepal. We wanted our riders to have and enjoy the race and be safe. We are extremely grateful for the local support from Palpalis. We could not have done it without them.” said Shyam Limbu, Race Director of Switchback Nepal.


"Epic Mountain Bike have been supporting Mountain Biking Race & Community in Nepal from past ten years and we are very much to this new kind of Urban Dh Race. We would like to congratulate organizers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, riders & above all the people of Tansen for making an event a very successful. Such type of events will surely boost the mountain biking scene and tourism in our country. We are delighted to sponsor this event with Maxxis Bicycle Tyres, Epic Mountain Bike being a Sole Distributor of Maxxis Bicycle Tyre & Tube, Commencal Bike, Kali Protectives would like to thank you for making our Brands visible in this growing mountain bike market. " - Prajwal Prakash Shrestha, Manager Epic Mountain Bike

Photo Gallery on Switchback Nepal Facebook Album

Source: Switchback Nepal

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